Wildfires that devastate mountain communities have the potential to foul the water distribution system running underneath residential structures. But knowing which water pipes have been affected is challenging. Erica Fischer, assistant professor of structural engineering, is working with a team of engineers and scientists to develop and test sensors that can easily indicate if water pipes need to be replaced following a fire.

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• Oregon State University fire expert panel: Oregonians’ mindset needs to expect, accept wildfires
• Science Pub: Fires in the West
• Study of destructive California fire finds resilience planning must account for socially vulnerable

https://engineering.oregonstate.edu/season-11-engineering-natural-disasters/what%E2%80%99s-water-after-wildfire-s11e4